The meeting in Bremen brought together representatives of ESA Member States, who jointly discussed the key directions for the development of European space policy in the coming years. The Polish delegation actively participated in the discussions, presenting Poland’s priorities and expectations in key areas of space policy.

Poland has doubled its contribution to optional technology programmes and signed a letter of intent concerning the establishment of an ESA Technology Centre in Poland. In this way, we are becoming a strategic partner within ESA and strengthening our position as a technology leader in Central and Eastern Europe. We are consistently investing in high value-added programmes that support the development of an economy based on innovation and future technologies

– said Minister of Finance and Economy Andrzej Domański. 

Poland’s contribution of nearly EUR 550 million for 2026–2028 covers ESA optional programmes in Earth observation, secure communications, space transportation, in-orbit servicing, space safety and security, robotic exploration, and the development of technologies and instruments for future missions. The ESA programmes subscribed to by Poland create new opportunities for companies and research institutes supplying increasingly sophisticated technologies and services. These are investments in skills, national security and the development of a modern economy.

During the meeting, priorities for action were presented in the context of rapid technological progress, growing international competition and new geopolitical challenges. Poland highlighted the key role of resilience, security and Europe’s strategic autonomy in space. The importance of developing Earth observation systems, ensuring secure satellite communications and protecting orbital infrastructure was emphasised. In this context, Poland reaffirmed its particular commitment to the European Resilience from Space programme, which aims to strengthen Europe’s security and resilience through advanced space capabilities and forms an important part of the broader package of ESA programmes that Poland has decided to support.

A significant part of Poland’s contribution to the discussion focused on the role of Dr Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski’s IGNIS mission to the International Space Station, which makes an important contribution to the development of scientific and technological capabilities and increases the international visibility of the Polish space sector.

Poland confirmed that the development of a modern and competitive space sector remains one of the government’s priorities. Over the past three years, our country has increased its contribution to ESA tenfold, reflecting its confidence in the Agency and its conviction of the importance of the projects it implements. 

Since joining ESA in 2012, the Polish space sector has developed dynamically – both in terms of the number of projects carried out and the capabilities of companies and research centres operating in areas such as Earth observation, robotics, navigation, planetary exploration and space safety and security.

At the same time, Poland is developing national space programmes and international cooperation with partners in the European Union and around the world. These activities strengthen the resilience of the domestic sector and support the long-term vision of building a strong Polish presence in space.

Poland’s presence in ESA is pursued through participation in the financing of individual European Space Agency programmes.  We consider programmes aimed at enhancing security through satellite monitoring, secure satellite communications and the development of space situational awareness, including space debris monitoring, to be a priority. Key areas of investment for the Polish space sector also include technology development programmes, participation in scientific missions and Earth observation research

– emphasises Marta Wachowicz, President of the Polish Space Agency (POLSA).

Poland remains ready to further increase its participation in ESA initiatives and to play an active role in shaping European space policy. Cooperation between Member States is crucial to maintaining Europe’s strong, secure and competitive position in the global space sector.